On the cusp of the URC final at Croke Park, former Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White has thrown his full support behind Johan Ackermann's squad in a stirring video message. White, who led the Bulls to three URC finals during his tenure, including a painful defeat in Dublin last year, believes this year's team is primed to claim the title that has eluded them.
From his farm in Stellenbosch, Jake White shared his thoughts and encouragement, "Howzit, morning guys. It’s Jake here. I’m at the farm in Stellenbosch. Yuss, what a beautiful day. And I was sitting here thinking, you know, it would be the right thing for me to send you a message, to the Bulls players and to the Bulls staff.” Recalling his own experiences, White reflected on the pressures and the fleeting opportunities of finals rugby. “A year ago, I was there. I know exactly what it felt like. I know what the pressure was like. And I remember saying to you, ‘You never know how many finals you play. You never know how many chances you get.’”
"I look back now, a year ago, I was there and I was thinking to myself, you know, I would give anything to have another chance. Often you get players who come hand out jerseys and they say, 'Gee guys, you don’t know how lucky you are. Play like it’s your last game. I wish I could just put the jersey on one more time.'"
White's message didn't just dwell on the past but also looked to the immediate challenge, emphasizing the readiness of the team. "You’ve had so many disappointments, you’ve worked hard, you’ve kept the group together. The coaches are happy. The group’s happy. You’ve got all your players fit and available. You’re going to get tested. We all know that. That’s one of the things about playing high-level rugby."
With a tone of certainty and a touch of inevitability, White concluded,
"But I just wanted to say all the best. I genuinely think that it’s time. We’ve had new champions every year in the last four. This is the fifth year. It’s time the Bulls name goes onto that trophy."
"Sterkte. Hou die blou-kant bo. All the best. Cheers, boys."The Bulls are hoping this heartfelt message sparks the inspiration needed to finally secure the URC trophy, a feat that has narrowly escaped them in recent years.